The Salton Sea, which lies in the southern part of California, is becoming not only saltier and stinkier but potentially more dangerous than was previously realized.
The sea, which is more of a salty landlocked lake, was created by accident in the early part of the 20th century, when irrigation canals from the Colorado River spilled over, causing the valley to flood. The body of water remained untouched and was fueled by continued agricultural run-off from the Imperial and Coachella Valley areas.
However, what was once a popular tourist spot and the largest lake in California is now drying up, causing its exposed bed to crumble and release toxic dust into the surrounding air.
Problems with the Sea
The fertilizer-laden water brings large amounts of pollutants to the lake, including hydrogen sulfide, which has become embedded in the dried lakebed. The fertilizers also promote the growth of bacteria and algal blooms, which leave the waters with the potent stench of rotten eggs.
Two studies have examined the impact on the troubled region, and have highlighted how the lake’s toxins have begun to take their toll on the local community. If the problem isn’t solved quickly, the situation could become even more dire.
In one of these studies, which was published in the journal Environmental Research, scientists have examined how the drying lakebed is already impacting the communities that live near the lake. They’ve discovered that 24 percent of children in the surrounding area have asthma, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 8.4 percent for boys and 5.5 percent for girls. Many of the children from the region also reported wheezing and troubled sleep during periods of high dust levels. The closer they were to the lake, the higher the chances of them reporting these health conditions were.
Scientists Weigh In
Jill Johnston, the first study author and an associate professor of environmental health from the University of California, said in a statement: “The community has long suspected that air pollution near the sea may be impacting children’s health, but this is the first scientific study to suggest that children living close to the receding shoreline may experience more severe direct health impacts. Protecting public health should be integrated into the mitigation plans.”
In the second of the studies, published in the journal Geographies, scientists examined Salton’s shrinking shorelines and the growth of the exposed lakebed.
By utilizing balloon mapping, scientists have found that the average rate of retreat between 2002 and 2017 increased from 12.5 meters (41 feet) a year to almost 38.5 meters (126 feet) per year after 2018. If the trend continues in this manner, the lake’s North Shore could retreat by 150 meters (492 feet) by 2030, and an additional 172 meters (564 feet) by 2041.
The researchers have stated that some of these trends can be linked to policy changes. With the broader problem of droughts driven by climate changes, water flow from the Colorado River has been reduced due to a historic water rights deal in 2003. This issue has only worsened since 2018, as more water has been sent to San Diego.
Ryan Sinclair, the lead study author and an associate professor of environmental microbiology at Loma Linda University School of Public Health, said in another statement: “This research was a direct response to a request from the community, which wanted to be involved in impactful research questions to understand shoreline reduction. The community wants to be able to live next to a Salton Sea that they’re proud of.”
The Salton Sea has an uncertain future. The US Department of Energy estimated that the region could hold 3,400 kilotons of lithium, which would be enough to support over 375 million batteries for electric vehicles. Whether people can acquire the invaluable mineral, however, is another question.
